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🇪🇪 Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee

HighEmployment FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read8 reported cases

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗

How this scam works

What is the Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee Scam?

In Estonia, job seekers often encounter fraudulent schemes where scammers send enticing job offers. These offers may appear legitimate and come with appealing salaries, targeting skilled workers, care workers, and hospitality workers. Once the job seeker expresses interest, the fraudsters request payment for various services related to securing a work permit. These can include costs for work permits, medical examinations, insurance, accommodation, courier fees, or document processing. The scam typically unfolds before the applicant has even had an interview or confirmed the employer's authenticity.

How Can You Identify Fake Job Offers?

Recognizing a fraudulent job offer can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Many scammers use professional-looking emails and websites to create a facade of legitimacy. However, there are key indicators that can help you differentiate between a genuine job offer and a scam.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?

If you think you may have been targeted by a scam, you should act quickly. Report the incident to local authorities, such as the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, and seek guidance on how to proceed. Utilizing resources like the official government website can also provide important information on residing and working in Estonia.

Red flags

Job offer arrives without an interview or skills screening
Salary is significantly higher than the market average
Employer requests upfront payment for immigration or recruitment fees
Company website, address, or registration cannot be verified

How to protect yourself

To avoid falling victim to the fake job offer scam, always verify the employer through official company registries in Estonia. Look for legitimate contact details and confirm whether the employer is legally registered. Never pay recruitment or work permit fees to personal accounts, as this is a common tactic used by scammers. You should conduct thorough research before accepting any job offers.

What to do if targeted

- Stop communication and do not send more money or documents
- Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers
- Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent
- Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels

Official reporting channel →

Prevention tips

- Only pay government fees through official portals
- Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots
- Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently
- Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics

Emergency & Reporting Contacts

If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels.

Sources & References

MigrantIQ scam alert record
Published 2026-05-07.
Estonia official reporting channels
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.

Who is targeted

job seekersskilled workerscare workershospitality workers

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Scam safety FAQ

Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.

Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.